KJN Sandy Hughes Featured as One of Nashville’s Remarkable Women

June 30, 2025

We’re proud to share that KJN Sandy Hughes, co-owner of Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin and founder of both Iron Lotus Gym and the Build A Black Belt Body™ System, was recently honored by WKRN News 2 as one of Nashville’s Remarkable Women.

The segment celebrated her lifelong dedication to martial arts, fitness, and empowering others—especially women and girls—to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit.


Watch the WKRN feature:
 https://www.wkrn.com/video/remarkable-women-sandy-hughes/10569205/


Who Is KJN Sandy Hughes?


An 8th-degree Black Belt and national-level forms and weapons competitor, KJN Sandy has spent over three decades shaping lives through martial arts and fitness. Her background includes:


  • Certified personal trainer, aerobics, tai chi, and yoga instructor
  • Former NASKA Top Ten World Competitor in Forms & Weapons
  • 1999 RSKC Women’s Regional Champion
  • Program Director of the Year (2006) – U.S. Martial Arts Association
  • Most Inspiring Instructor (2011) – EFC/U.S. Martial Arts Association
  • Graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and O’More College of Design
  • Co-owner of Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin, a premier school in one of the most respected martial arts associations in the world


Her teaching blends traditional martial arts discipline with cutting-edge fitness, wellness, and a heart for mentorship—especially for women navigating fitness, confidence, and lifestyle change at any age.


About Iron Lotus Gym & Build A Black Belt Body™


Iron Lotus Gym was originally born from our school’s fitness kickboxing program. Under Sandy’s vision, it evolved into its own dedicated space for holistic health, self-care, and transformation.


From that, she created the Build A Black Belt Body™ System—a complete approach to training that fuses martial arts movement, functional strength, flexibility, core work, and mindset coaching. It’s designed for real people, real life, and long-term results.


Whether you’re a busy mom, a former athlete returning to fitness, or a martial artist looking to level up your performance, the system meets you where you are—and helps you become who you’re meant to be.


Why This Feature Matters


This spotlight by WKRN isn’t just recognition of KJN Sandy’s personal journey—it represents the power of martial arts, fitness, and leadership to change lives. It’s a reminder that excellence doesn’t shout—it serves.


We’re incredibly proud to see her impact acknowledged publicly, and we know this is only the beginning.


What You Can Do


  • Watch and share the WKRN segment
  • Tag a friend who’s been inspired by Sandy’s leadership
  • Try a class or program at Iron Lotus Gym
  • Visit us at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin
  • Follow us on social media for more inspiring stories


We are grateful every day for KJN Sandy Hughes—for the strength, compassion, and example she sets in our school, our gym, and our community.



Let’s celebrate this recognition together!

Inside the Instructor Boot Camp: 8+ Hours a Day with GGM Ernie Reyes and Elite Guest Instructors

July 1, 2025
While our students continue with their regular class schedule, something powerful is happening behind the scenes at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts in Gallatin, TN. For three full days, our senior instructors are pushing through an intense training schedule — logging over eight hours of advanced martial arts training per day — all under the guidance of Great Grand Master Ernie Reyes himself via Zoom. In years past, we’ve flown to California for this level of training. But this time, GGM Reyes has invited us to train remotely — and we’re making every minute count. A Day in the Life of Instructor Boot Camp This isn’t your typical continuing education. Our instructors are on the mats hours before and after our regular classes: Training begins five hours before the first class starts Continues for 2.5 hours after the last student heads home Includes in-depth sessions with world-class instructors This year’s lineup has been nothing short of incredible. Meet the Guest Instructors Grand Master Ron Lew A 10th-Degree Black Belt in Doce Pares Escrima and one of the most respected figures in Filipino Martial Arts worldwide. GM Lew brought deep insight into traditional and practical weapons systems with a focus on flow, timing, and combat efficiency. Professor Leandro Vieira Co-founder of Checkmat BJJ and head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach at AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) — the training ground of multiple UFC world champions. His technical depth and coaching philosophy added tremendous value to our continued evolution in BJJ. Special Surprise: Kathy Long A true pioneer in women’s martial arts, Kathy is a six-time World Champion Kickboxer, Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee, and acclaimed fight choreographer. Her session combined elite striking technique, fight IQ, and real-world toughness. Other sessions featured elite MMA coaches and tactical experts, each contributing to a curriculum that is both modern and rooted in tradition. Why We Do This At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, we don’t just talk about excellence — we live it. We believe in staying on the cutting edge of martial arts. Our instructors are constantly evolving, growing, and sharpening their skills so that every student on our mats receives world-class training and mentorship. This boot camp is just one example of the commitment our team makes to personal development, elite coaching, and preserving the legacy of GGM Ernie Reyes. We’re proud to be part of a tradition that refuses to stand still — and even prouder to bring that level of energy, knowledge, and heart into every class we teach. Ready to Train With Us? If you’re looking for a martial arts school that never stops striving for more — for its students and its staff — you’ve found it. Visit us in Gallatin, TN Call or message us to schedule a free intro lesson Come see the difference dedication makes

As Seen in The Tennessean: A Moment That Reflects Who We Are

July 1, 2025
In 2015, The Tennessean featured our school in a piece recognizing a major milestone—our head instructor winning his division at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Dallas, Texas. Read the full article here: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/gallatin/2015/01/16/gallatin-martial-arts-teacher-wins-jiu-jitsu-world-title/21867335/ While the article spotlighted the win itself, what made it truly meaningful was the way it highlighted the deeper values behind the achievement—discipline, preparation, and the pursuit of excellence. Why This Matters At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin, we believe martial arts is about far more than trophies. It’s about setting big goals, doing hard things, and becoming the kind of person who shows up for the process. This article isn’t just a nod to one person’s performance—it’s a reflection of the training culture we’ve built together. A place where: Success is earned through hard work Students are coached with integrity and experience Everyone is encouraged to grow into their potential—on and off the mat What It Means for You If you’re looking for a place to train where excellence isn’t just talked about—but lived—you’ll find it here. Whether you’re a beginner, a parent looking to build confidence in your child, or an athlete looking for high-level coaching, our team brings decades of experience to help you succeed at your pace. Next Steps Check out the article to learn more about our story Come experience a free intro class and meet the team Message us with any questions—we’d love to hear your goals We’re grateful to The Tennessean for helping share our story with the community—and even more grateful to the families and students who make our school what it is. This isn’t about one person’s victory. It’s about what’s possible when the right training meets the right mindset—and what that can unlock in you.
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